Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march scheduled for September 27 is aimed at gaining access to party founder Imran Khan rather than seeking his immediate release.
Sohail Afridi said he would personally lead the Sohail Afridi Long March. He made it clear that the protest would not be limited to a single day and that participants would not simply return after reaching Islamabad.
The KP chief minister said the decision to launch the march was taken after consultations with PTI leaders and representatives of the Tehreek Tahafuz Aain Pakistan. He also confirmed that Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister, would participate in the movement.
Explaining the purpose of the planned protest, Afridi said the primary objective was to gain access to Imran Khan. He stressed that the demand was not for an immediate release, adding that any release of the PTI founder would take place according to the Constitution and the law.
The announcement of a September 27 date, despite the march being scheduled more than a month away, also drew attention. Responding to questions about the timing, Afridi said the date was selected to allow sufficient time for preparations and because weather conditions would be more suitable for the planned activity.
Afridi further indicated that the Islamabad protest would not be treated as a one-day event. According to his remarks, the participants would remain in the capital rather than returning immediately after arrival, suggesting that the protest could continue beyond the initial march.
